Connecting module and electronic device coupling system

ABSTRACT

A connecting module includes: a main section in which an electronic circuit is housed; a plate section that is rotatably supported by the main section, and that is adapted to lie in front of the main section, and that is rotatable between a flat position in which an electronic device is laid on a first face representing a top face and a standing position in which the electronic device is leaned against a second face representing a back face opposite to the first face; and a first connector that couples with the electronic device laid on the plate section when the plate section is in the flat position so as to connect the electronic device to the electronic circuit in the main section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation application of PCT/JP2007/052398, filed on Feb.9, 2007.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a connecting module to which anelectronic device is connected, and an electronic device couplingsystem.

BACKGROUND

Hitherto, in a so-called note type personal computer (hereafter, notePC) wherein it is used in an open state in which a display sectionstands from a main section from a close state in which the displaysection overlaps the main section while a display screen of the displaysection faces a keyboard of the main section, the connector arrangementfor connecting with peripherals is kept to a minimum extent in light ofportability.

Recently, there has been proposed a connecting module referred to asport replicator or docking station which is plentifully provided withconnectors for connecting with an external device, and capable ofcoupling with the note PC, so that the note PC is used as a personalcomputer having a performance equivalent to that of a desktop typepersonal computer having a high connectivity with an external device.

In addition, in recent years, there has been used a portable type ofcomputer called a slate type of tablet computer (hereafter, slate typecomputer) in which being without a keyboard provided, and a displaysection of the note PC in a kind is overlapped to be fixed on the mainsection while the display screen faces outward, wherein the connectorarrangement for connecting with peripherals is kept to a minimum extent,and there has been made a proposition to improve a connectivity of theslate type computer with an external device (For example, see JapaneseLaid-open Patent Publication No. 2001-101140, FIG. 3).

According to the proposal of Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.2001-101140, coupling of the slate type computer with the connectingmodule is implemented in such a way that the slate type computer isleant against the connecting module as it is easy to look at the displayscreen of the slate type computer.

Further, in recent years, there is used a convertible type of tabletcomputer (hereafter, convertible type computer) that includes a mainsection having a keyboard, and a display section having a display screenand being coupled with the main section through a connecting sectionhaving two axes to rotatably support openably and closably for the mainsection, wherein the convertible type computer has an open state inwhich the display section stands on the main section, a first closestate in which the display section is overlapped on the main sectionwhile the display screen faces inward, and a second close state in whichthe display section is overlapped on the main section while the displayscreen faces outward.

SUMMARY

As for the convertible type computer, there are considered two use modesof a case where it is used in the open state and a case where it is usedin the second close state, such as reproducing a DVD. However, there isa problem that the connecting module proposed by Japanese Laid-openPatent Publication No. 2001-101140 is incapable of meeting these twokinds of use modes.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object in one aspect of the presentinvention to provide a connecting module capable of meeting also theconvertible type of tablet computer, and an electronic device couplingsystem.

According to ac aspect of the present invention, a connecting moduleincludes:

a main section in which an electronic circuit is housed;

a plate section that is rotatably supported by the main section, andthat is adapted to lie in front of the main section, and that isrotatable between a flat position in which an electronic device is laidon a first face representing a top face and a standing position in whichthe electronic device is leaned against a second face representing aback face opposite to the first face; and

a first connector that couples with the electronic device laid on theplate section when the plate section is in the flat position so as toconnect the electronic device to the electronic circuit in the mainsection.

The connecting module of the present invention includes the platesection that is rotatable between the flat position and the standingposition and has the first connector. Thus, for example, the platesection is rendered to be in the flat position so that the connectingmodule may couple with the convertible type tablet computer being in theopen state. Further, the plate section is rendered to be in the standingposition so that the convertible type tablet computer being in the closestate may be leant against the plate section. Therefore, according tothe connecting module of an aspect of the present invention, it ispossible to meet the convertible type tablet computer.

According an aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that theconnecting module further includes a second connector that couples withthe electronic device leaned against the plate section when the platesection is in the standing position so as to connect the electronicdevice to the electronic circuit in the main section.

Thus, it is possible to connect the electronic device leant against theplate section being in the standing position with the electrical circuitin the main section.

In addition, according an aspect of the present invention, it isacceptable that the first connector of the connecting module accordingis provided on the first face of the plate section. In addition,according to an aspect of the invention, it is acceptable that thesecond connector in the connecting module is provided on the second faceof the plate section or the connecting module further includes areceiving section that receives a bottom end part of the electronicdevice when the plate section is in the standing position and theelectronic device is leaned against the second face wherein the secondconnector is provided on the receiving part.

Further, it is acceptable that in the connecting module according to theinvention, the plate section includes an opening that goes through thefirst face and the second face, and the main section includes aconnector holding section that is rotatably supported separately fromthe plate section, and that includes the second connector, and that isrotatable between a coupling state in which the connector holdingsection goes into the opening when the plate section is in the standingposition so as to couple the second connector with the electronic deviceleant against the plate section and an apart state in which the secondconnector is apart from the electronic device leant against the platesection.

Here, it is desirable that the connecting module encases a power supplycircuit that supplies electric power to the electronic device, and theconnecting module further includes a third connector that couples withthe electronic device which is leant against the plate section when theplate section is in the standing position so as to supply electric powerto the electronic device.

Thus, as being provided with the third connector that couples with theelectronic device leant against the plate section when the plate sectionis in the standing state for supplying electric power to the electronicdevice, it possible to supply electric power to the convertible typetablet computer being in the close state.

Here, it is acceptable that the electronic device is a convertible typetablet computer that includes a first section having a keyboard, and asecond section having a display screen and being coupled with the firstsection through a connecting section having two axes to rotatablysupport openably and closably with respect to the first section, theconvertible type tablet computer including an open state in which thesecond section stands on the first section, a first close state in whichthe second section is overlapped on the first section while the displayscreen faces inward, and a second close state in which the secondsection is overlapped on the first section while the display screenfaces outward, and the connecting module couples with the convertibletype tablet computer, and is leant against by the convertible typetablet computer.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic devicecoupling system includes:

an electronic device that encases an electronic circuit and that has aconnector for connecting with the electronic circuit; and

a connecting module including:

a main section in which an electronic circuit is housed;

a plate section that is rotatably supported by the main section, andthat is adapted to lie in front of the main section, and that isrotatable between a flat position in which an electronic device is laidon a first face representing a top face and a standing position in whichthe electronic device is leaned against a second face representing aback face opposite to the first face; and

a connector that couples with a connector of the electronic device laidon the plate section when the plate section is in the flat position soas to connect an electronic circuit of the electronic device to theelectronic circuit in the main section.

Here, it is acceptable that the electronic device is a convertible typetablet computer that includes a main section having a keyboard, and adisplay section having a display screen and being coupled with the mainsection through a connecting section having two axes to rotatablysupport openably and closably with respect to the main section, theconvertible type tablet computer including an open state in which thedisplay section stands on the main section, a first close state in whichthe display section is overlapped on the main section while the displayscreen faces inward, and a second close state in which the displaysection is overlapped on the main section while the display screen facesoutward.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide aconnecting module capable of meeting the convertible type tabletcomputer, and an electronic device coupling system.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attainedby means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out inthe claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a connecting module of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a computer to which the connectingmodule illustrated in FIG. 1 is adaptable;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of an electronicdevice coupling system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a connecting module of the present embodiment. InFIG. 4, a same kind part as that illustrated in FIG. 1 is denoted by thesame reference number as that denoted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer to which the connecting module of thepresent embodiment is adaptable;

FIG. 6 illustrates a connecting module of the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a computer 30 for which the connecting module 200suitable; and

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a connecting module of thepresent embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained withreference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a connecting module of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates that a connecting module 1 of the present embodimentincludes a main section 2, a rotatable plate 3 rotatably supported bythe main section 2, a first connector 4 provided in an upper face 3 a ofthe rotatable plate 3, and a second connector 5 provided in a lower face3 b of the rotatable plate 3.

The main section 2 has a connector 2 b (see, part (e) of FIG. 1) forconnecting with a LAN, external display and the like on a back side andan electrical circuit (not illustrated) electrically connected with theconnector 2 b inside.

The rotatable plate 3 is rotatably supported by the main section 2 andis adapted to lie in front of the main section 2. The rotatable plate 3is rotatable between a flat position (part (a) of FIG. 1) in which aconvertible type tablet computer (hereafter, computer) 10 (see, FIG. 2)is laid on the upper face 3 a and a standing position (part (b) ofFIG. 1) in which the computer 10 is leaned against the lower face 3 b.

A receiving part 2 a to receive a bottom of the computer 10 being leantis provided on a front side of the main section 2.

The first connector 4 is a connector to connect with the computer 10which is laid on the rotatable plate 3 when the rotatable plate 3 is inthe flat position. The first connector 4 is connected to the electroniccircuit provided in the main section 2 through an electrical wiringdisposed in the rotatable plate 3.

A second connector 5 is a connector to connect with the computer 10which is leant against the rotatable plate 3 when the rotatable plate 3is in the standing position. The second connector 5 is functionally thesame type of connector as the first connector 4. The second connector 5is also connected to the electronic circuit of the main section 2through an electric wiring disposed in the rotatable plate 3.

Part (c) of FIG. 1 depicts an appearance in which the rotatable plate 3being in the flat position illustrated in part (a) of FIG. 1 is viewedfrom left. Part (d) of FIG. 1 depicts an appearance in which therotatable plate 3 being in the standing position illustrated in part (b)of FIG. 1 is viewed from left.

In addition, part (e) of FIG. 1 depicts an appearance in which theconnecting module 1 is viewed from back. There is depicted a connector 2b which is provided on a back side of the main section 2 for connectingwith a LAN (Local Area Network), a printer and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a computer to which the connectingmodule illustrated in FIG. 1 is adaptable.

FIG. 2 illustrates the computer 10 including: a base section 11 having akeyboard 111; and a display screen section 12 having a display screen121 and being coupled with the base section 11 through a connectionsection 13 having two axes to support openably and closably androtatably with respect to the base section 11. The computer 10 is aso-called convertible type tablet computer that has an open state inwhich the display screen section 12 stands from the base section 11, afirst close state in which the display screen section 12 is overlappedon the base section 11 while the display screen 121 faces inward, and asecond close state in which the display screen section 12 is overlappedon the base section 11 while the display screen 121 faces outward.

Part (a) of FIG. 2 illustrates an appearance where the computer 10 is inthe first close state as described above. Part (b) of FIG. 2 illustratesan appearance where the computer 10 is in the open state as describedabove.

Part (c) of FIG. 2 to part (e) of FIG. 2 illustrate a process in whichthe computer 10 is rendered from the open state depicted in part (b) ofFIG. 2 to the second close state. Part (c) of FIG. 2 illustrates a statein which the display screen section 12 is in some degree rotated withrespect to the base section 11 through the connection section 13 havingthe two axes in the open state. Part (d) of FIG. 2 illustrates anappearance immediately before rotating with respect to the base section11 is finishing and the display screen section 12 is overlapped on thebase section 11 while the display screen section 121 faces outward. Part(e) of FIG. 2 illustrates an appearance where the computer 10 is in thesecond close state. Part (f) of FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom of the basesection 11 of the computer 10. The bottom of the base section 11 isprovided with a first concave connector 112 with which the firstconnector 4 provided on the top face of the rotatable plate 3 is matedwhen the computer 10 is laid on an upper face of the rotatable plate 3being in the flat position.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of an electronicdevice coupling system of the present invention.

An electronic device coupling system 400 according to the presentembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes the computer 10 and theconnecting module 1 (see, FIG. 1).

Part (a) of FIG. 3 illustrates an appearance where the computer 10 islaid on the rotatable plate 3 being in the flat position. Part (b) ofFIG. 3 illustrates the appearance where the computer 10 is leanedagainst the rotatable plate 3 being in the standing position.

In the electronic device coupling system 400 of the present embodiment,when the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 1 is in the flatposition depicted in part (a) of FIG. 1, the computer 10 is laid in sucha manner that the first connector 4 provided on the top face of therotatable plate 3 is engaged with the first concave connector 112provided in the bottom of the computer 10, so that the computer 10 iscoupled with the connecting module 1 and the electrical circuit of themain section 2 of the connecting module 1 is electrically connected withthe electrical circuit of the computer 10.

In addition, in the electronic device coupling system 400 of the presentembodiment, when the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 1 is inthe standing position depicted in part (b) of FIG. 1, the computer 10 isleant in such a manner that the second connector 5 provided on the lowerface 3 b of the rotatable plate 3 is engaged with the first concaveconnector 112 provided in the bottom of the computer 10, so that theelectrical circuit in the computer 10 is coupled with the connectingmodule 1, and the electrical circuit in the computer 10 is electricallyconnected with the electrical circuit of the main section 2. Asdescribed above, because the electrical circuit of the main section 2 isconnected to the connector 2 b for connecting with a LAN, a printer andthe like, the computer 10 electrically connected with the electricalcircuit of the main section 2 may obtain a high connection performancebeyond a connecting performance provided in the computer itself.

As explained above, according to the connecting module 1 of the presentembodiment, it is possible to meet the computer 10 which is used in theopen state in which the display screen section 12 stands with respect tothe base section 11 and in the second close state in which the displayscreen section 12 is overlapped on the base section 11 while the displayscreen 121 faces outward. Further, in the electronic device couplingsystem 400 of the present embodiment, the electrical circuit of thecomputer 10 is electrically connected with the electrical circuit of themain section 2, the computer 10 may obtain a high connecting performancebeyond a connecting performance provided in the computer 10 itself. Inaddition, according to the connecting module 1, it is possible to meetthe slate type tablet computer, in a kind, used only in the second closestate as described above, or the notebook type personal computer used,in a kind, only in the open state as described above. In theabove-described embodiment, the example is explained that the firstconnector 4 is provided in the upper face 3 a of the rotatable plate 3,and the second connector 5 is provided in lower face 3 b of therotatable plate 3. However, as far as the rotatable plate 3 is arrangedto be coupled with the computer 10 which is laid on the upper face 3 aof the rotatable plate 3 when the rotatable plate 3 is in the flatstate, a position in which the first connector 4 is provided is notlimited to the upper face 3 a of the rotatable plate 3. Further, as faras the rotatable plate 3 is arranged to be coupled with the computer 10which is leaned against the lower face 3 b of the rotatable plate 3 whenthe rotatable plate 3 is in the standing state, a position in which thesecond connector 5 is provided is not limited to the lower face 3 b ofthe rotatable plate 3. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment,the example is explained that the second connector 5 to contribute to aconnection of the computer 10 with the electrical circuit of the mainsection also in a case where the computer 10 is leant. However, even ifthe second connector 5 is not provided and the computer 10 is not to beconnected with the electrical circuit in the main section when thecomputer 10 is leant, a basic effect of the present invention is notdamaged.

Next, there will be explained a second embodiment of a connecting moduleof the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a connecting module of the present embodiment. InFIG. 4, a same kind part as that illustrated in FIG. 1 is denoted by thesame reference number as that denoted in FIG. 1.

The difference between the connecting module 100 depicted in FIG. 4 andthe connecting module 1 depicted in FIG. 1 is in that the secondconnector 5, which is provided in the lower face 3 b of the rotatableplate 3 in the connecting module 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, is provided inthe receiving part 2 a of the main section 2 in the connecting module100 of the present embodiment.

Part (a) of FIG. 4 depicts a flat state of the rotatable plate 3 of theconnecting module 100. Part (b) of FIG. 4 depicts a standing state ofthe rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 100. In addition, part(c) of FIG. 4 depicts an appearance in which the rotatable plate 3 beingin the flat state is viewed from left. Part (d) of FIG. 4 depicts anappearance in which the rotatable plate 3 being in the standing state isviewed from left.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer to which the connecting module of thepresent embodiment is adaptable.

FIG. 5 depicts a computer 20 to which the connecting module 100 isapplicable. The computer 20 is provided with a second concave connector212, which is functionally the same as the first concave connector 112,in the position that becomes a bottom and when the computer 20 is leantagainst the connecting module 100, differently from the computer 10depicted in FIG. 2.

When the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 100 is in the flatposition depicted in part (a) of FIG. 4 of the present embodiment, thecomputer 20 is laid in such a manner that the first connector 4 providedon the upper face 3 a of the rotatable plate 3 is engaged with the firstconcave connector 112 provided in the bottom of the computer 20, so thatthe computer 20 is coupled with the connecting module 100, and thecomputer 20 is electrically connected with the electrical circuit of themain section.

In addition, when the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 100 ofthe present embodiment is in the standing position depicted in part (b)of FIG. 4, the computer 20 is leant in such a manner that the secondconnector 5 provided on the receiving part 2 a of the main section 2 isengaged with the second concave connector 212 provided in the computer10, so that the computer 20 is coupled with the connecting module 100,and the computer 10 is electrically connected with the electricalcircuit of the main section 2. As described above, because theelectrical circuit is connected to the connector 2 b for connecting witha LAN, a printer and the like, the computer 10 electrically connectedwith the electrical circuit of the main section may obtain a highconnecting performance beyond a connecting performance provided in thecomputer itself.

As explained above, also according to the connecting module 100 of thepresent embodiment, it is possible to meet the computer 20 which is usedin the open state in which the display screen section 12 stands withrespect to the base section 21, and in the second close state in whichthe display screen section 12 is overlapped on the base section 11 whilethe display screen 121 faces outward.

Next, there will be explained a third embodiment of the connectingmodule of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a connecting module of the present embodiment. InFIG. 6, a same part as that illustrated in FIG. 4 is denoted by the samereference number as that denoted in FIG. 4.

The difference between the connecting module 200 depicted in FIG. 6 andthe connecting module 100 depicted in FIG. 4 is in that while the secondconnector 5 is provided in the receiving part 2 a of the main section 2in the connecting module 100 illustrated in FIG. 4, a third connector 6instead of the connector 5 is provided in the receiving part 2 a of themain section 200 in the connecting module 200 of the present embodiment.The third connector 6 is to supply electric power to the computer 30(see, FIG. 7) through a power supply circuit (not illustrated) providedin the main section.

Part (a) of FIG. 6 depicts a flat state of the rotatable plate 3 of theconnecting module 200. A part (b) of FIG. 6 depicts a standing state ofthe rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 200. In addition, part(c) of FIG. 6 depicts an appearance in which the rotatable plate 3 beingin the flat state is viewed from left. Part (d) of FIG. 6 depicts anappearance in which the rotatable plate 3 that is in the standing stateis viewed from left.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer to which the connecting module of thepresent embodiment is adaptable.

FIG. 7 depicts a computer 30 for which the connecting module 200suitable. The computer 30 is provided with a third concave connector 313at a position where the second concave connector 212 is provided in thecomputer 20 depicted in FIG. 5. The third concave connector 313 isadapted to be engaged with the third connector 6, which is provided inthe receiving part 2 a of the main section 202 in the connecting module200 of the present embodiment to supply electric power to the computer30. The third concave connector 313 is engaged with the third connector6 so that electric power is supplied to the computer 30 from the powersupply circuit provided in the main section.

When the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 200 is in the flatposition depicted in part (a) of FIG. 6 of the present embodiment, thecomputer 30 is laid in such a manner that the first connector 4 providedon the top face of the rotatable plate 3 is engaged with the firstconcave connector 112 provided in the bottom of the computer 30, so thatthe computer 30 is coupled with the connecting module 200, and thecomputer 30 is electrically connected with the electrical circuit in themain section. Similarly to the connecting module 1 of the firstembodiment, the electrical circuit is connected to the connector 2 b forconnecting with a LAN, a printer and the like. Thus, the computer 30 mayobtain a high connecting performance beyond a connecting performanceprovided in the computer 30 itself.

When the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 200 of the presentembodiment is in the standing position depicted in part (b) of FIG. 6,the computer 30 is leant in such a manner that the third connector 6provided in the receiving part 2 a of the main section 202 is engagedwith the third concave connector 313 provided in the computer 30, sothat the computer 30 is coupled with the connecting module 200 and issupplied with electric power.

As explained above, also according to the connecting module 200 of thepresent embodiment, it is possible to meet the computer 30 which is usedin the open state in which the display screen section 12 stands withrespect to the base section 31, and the second close state in which thedisplay screen section 12 is overlapped on the base section 11 while thedisplay screen 121 faces outward.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the example is explained thatthe third connector 6 is provided in the receiving part 2 a of the mainsection 202. However, according to the present invention, as far as thethird connector 6 is coupled with the computer 30 which is leanedagainst the rotatable plate 3 when the rotatable plate 3 is in thestanding state, the position in which the third connector 6 is providedis not limited to that place. In addition, the computer 30 may be in anyof the first close state and the second close state.

Lastly, there will be explained a forth embodiment of a connectingmodule of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a connecting module of thepresent embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where the second connector 5, which isprovided on the lower face 3 b of the rotatable plate 3 in theconnecting module 1 of the first embodiment, is provided on a connectorholding plate 7 which is rotatably arranged in the main section 2 asidefrom the rotatable plate 3. In the following, it is assumed that theconnecting module 300 of the present embodiment is suitable for thecomputer 10 for which the connecting module 1 as the first embodiment issuitable.

The connector holding plate 7 is rotatably supported by the main section2, and when the rotatable plate 3 is in the standing position, theconnector holding plate is rotatable between a coupling state in whichthe connector holding plate goes into an opening 3 c provided in therotatable plate 3 in order to avoid colliding with the receiving section2 a of the main section 302 in the flat state, so that the secondconnector 5 is coupled with the first concave connector (see, part (f)of FIG. 2) of the computer 10 leant against the rotatable plate 3 and anapart state in which the second connector 5 is apart from the computerleant against the rotatable plate 3.

Part (a) of FIG. 8 depicts the flat state in which the rotatable plate 3of the connecting module 300 is laid, and is depicted the connectorholding plate 7 provided with the second connector 5 is illustrated inthe center of the main section 302. Moreover, part (a) of FIG. 8 depictsan appearance where a finger inserting section 302 a for raising theconnector holding plate 7 upward with a finger is provided in the mainsection 302.

Part (b) of FIG. 8 depicts a standing state of the rotatable plate 3 ofthe connecting module 300 of the present embodiment. Part (c) of FIG. 8depicts an appearance where the connecting module 300 is viewed fromleft with respect to the connecting module 300.

Part (d) of FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where the connector holdingplate 7 is raised with a finger from the apart state illustrated in part(a) of FIG. 8 to be in a coupling state in which the second connector 5is coupled with the first concave connector 112 of the computer 10.

Part (e) of FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where the connector holdingplate 7 is in a state between the apart state and the coupling state.Moreover, part (e) of FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where the rotatableplate 3 is provided with an cut section 3 d which is adapted to engagewith a difference part 71 in an edge of the connector holding plate 7that is rotated to the rotatable plate side for the coupling state. Thecut section 3 d is provided so that the connector holding plate 7 israised to the rotatable plate side and is prevented from going beyondthe opening 3 c of the rotatable plate 3 being in the standing state tobe further rotated to a side of the receiving part 2 a of the mainsection 2. Thus, it is possible to prevent the second connector 5maintained on the connector holding plate 7 from being damaged bypulling the connector holding plate 7 beyond the opening 3 c of therotatable plate 3, in an event in which the computer 10 leant againstthe rotatable plate 3 and with the first concave connector 112 beingcoupled with the second connector 5 of the connector holding plate 7, isintended to be detached from the connecting module 300 carelesslywithout releasing the connector holding plate 7.

Moreover, part (e) of FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where a convex part 8to be used when the second connector 5 being in the state of couplingwith the computer 10 is detached is provided on a face opposite to aface where the second connector 5 is provided in the connector holdingplate 7.

A part (f) of FIG. 8 depicts an appearance where when the differencepart 71 of the connector holding plate 7 is engaged with the cut section3 d of the rotatable plate 3, the lower face 3 b of the rotatable plate3 and the face on which the second connector 5 of the connector holdingplate 7 is provided are in a plane.

When the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 300 of the presentembodiment is in the flat position depicted in the part (a) of FIG. 8,the computer 10 is laid in such a manner that the first connector 4provided on the upper face 3 a of the rotatable plate 3 is engaged withthe first concave connector 112 provided in the bottom of the computer10, so that the computer 10 is connected with the connecting module 300,and is electrically connected with the electrical circuit of the mainsection.

In addition, when the rotatable plate 3 of the connecting module 300 ofthe present embodiment is in the standing position depicted in the part(b) of FIG. 8, the computer 10 is leant in such a manner that the secondconnector 5 held by the connector holding plate 7 is engaged with thefirst concave connector 112 provided in the computer 10, so that thecomputer 10 is connected with the connecting module 300, and iselectrically connected with the electrical circuit of the main section.Similarly to the connecting module 1 of the first embodiment, becausethe electrical circuit of is connected to the connector 2 b forconnecting with a LAN, a printer and the like, the computer 10electrically connected with the electrical circuit of the main sectionmay obtain a high connecting performance with an external device beyonda minimum extent of a connecting performance provided in itself.

As explained above, also according to the connecting module 300 of thepresent embodiment, it is possible to meet the computer 10 which is usedin the open state in which the display screen section 12 stands withrespect to the base section 11, and the second close state in which thedisplay screen section 12 is overlapped on the base section 11 while thedisplay screen 12 faces outward.

Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the fingerinserting section 302 a for raising the connector holding plate 7 by afinger so that the connector holding plate 7 may be raised by thefinger. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it isacceptable that a cam is disposed under the connector holding plate 7 tobe rotated through a switch operation, so that the connector holdingplate 7 is raised.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the inventionand the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, andare to be construed as being without limitation to such specificallyrecited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of suchexamples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority andinferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment(s) of the presentinvention(s) has (have) been described in detail, it should beunderstood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterationscould be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A connecting module comprising: a main section in which an electroniccircuit is housed; a plate section that is rotatably supported by themain section, and that is adapted to lie in front of the main section,and that is rotatable between a flat position in which an electronicdevice is laid on a first face representing a top face and a standingposition in which the electronic device is leaned against a second facerepresenting a back face opposite to the first face; and a firstconnector that couples with the electronic device laid on the platesection when the plate section is in the flat position so as to connectthe electronic device to the electronic circuit in the main section. 2.The connecting module according to claim 1, further comprising a secondconnector that couples with the electronic device leaned against theplate section when the plate section is in the standing position so asto connect the electronic device to the electronic circuit in the mainsection.
 3. The connecting module according to claim 1, wherein thefirst connector is provided on the first face of the plate section. 4.The connecting module according to claim 2, wherein the second connectoris provided on the second face of the plate section.
 5. The connectingmodule according to claim 2, further comprising a receiving section thatreceives a bottom end part of the electronic device when the platesection is in the standing position, wherein the electronic device isleaned against the second face, wherein the second connector is providedon the receiving part.
 6. The connecting module according to claim 2,wherein the plate section includes an opening that goes through thefirst face and the second face, and the main section includes aconnector holding section that is rotatably supported separately fromthe plate section, and that includes the second connector, and that isrotatable between a coupling state in which the connector holdingsection goes into the opening when the plate section is in the standingposition so as to couple the second connector with the electronic deviceleant against the plate section and an apart state in which the secondconnector is apart from the electronic device leant against the platesection.
 7. The connecting module according to claim 1, wherein theconnecting module encases a power supply circuit that supplies electricpower to the electronic device, and the connecting module furthercomprises a third connector that couples with the electronic devicewhich is leant against the plate section when the plate section is inthe standing position so as to supply electric power to the electronicdevice.
 8. The connecting module according to claim 1, wherein theelectronic device is a convertible type tablet computer that includes afirst section having a keyboard, and a second section having a displayscreen and being coupled with the first section through a connectingsection having two axes to rotatably support openably and closably withrespect to the first section, the convertible type tablet computerincluding an open state in which the second section stands on the firstsection, a first close state in which the second section is overlappedon the first section while the display screen faces inward, and a secondclose state in which the second section is overlapped on the firstsection while the display screen faces outward, and the connectingmodule couples with the convertible type tablet computer, and is leantagainst by the convertible type tablet computer.
 9. An electronic devicecoupling system comprising: an electronic device that encases anelectronic circuit and that has a connector for connecting with theelectronic circuit; and a connecting module including: a main section inwhich an electronic circuit is housed; a plate section that is rotatablysupported by the main section, and that is adapted to lie in front ofthe main section, and that is rotatable between a flat position in whichan electronic device is laid on a first face representing a top face anda standing position in which the electronic device is leaned against asecond face representing a back face opposite to the first face; and aconnector that couples with a connector of the electronic device laid onthe plate section when the plate section is in the flat position so asto connect an electronic circuit of the electronic device to theelectronic circuit in the main section.
 10. The electronic devicecoupling system according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device is aconvertible type tablet computer that includes a main section having akeyboard, and a display section having a display screen and beingcoupled with the main section through a connecting section having twoaxes to rotatably support openably and closably with respect to the mainsection, the convertible type tablet computer including an open state inwhich the display section stands on the main section, a first closestate in which the display section is overlapped on the main sectionwhile the display screen faces inward, and a second close state in whichthe display section is overlapped on the main section while the displayscreen faces outward.